Page 2817 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

ULYSSES

He doth rely on none, [160]
But carries on the stream of his dispose,
Without observance or respect of any,

In will peculiar and in self-admission.

AGAMEMNON

Why will he not, upon our fair request,
Untent his person, and share the air with us? [165]

ULYSSES
Things small as nothing, for request’s sake only,
He makes important. Possessed he is with greatness,
And speaks not to himself but with a pride

That quarrels at self-breath. Imagined worth
Holds in his blood such swollen and hot discourse [170]
That ’twixt his mental and his active parts

Kingdomed Achilles in commotion rages,
And batters down himself. What should I say?
He is so plaguy proud that the death-tokens of it
Cry ‘No recovery’.

AGAMEMNON
Let Ajax go to him. − [175]

Dear lord, go you and greet him in his tent;
’Tis said he holds you well, and will be led,
At your request, a little from himself.

ULYSSES
O Agamemnon, let it not be so!

We’ll consecrate the steps that Ajax makes [180]
When they go from Achilles. Shall the proud lord,
That bastes his arrogance with his own seam,
And never suffers matter of the world
Enter his thoughts, save such as do revolve

And ruminate himself − shall he be worshipped [185]
Of that we hold an idol more than he?
No; this thrice-worthy and right valiant lord